ASSISTANT NURSERY MANAGER - MID ANNANDALE PLAYCARE (M.A.P) - £17.23 per hour - Up to 35 hours per week Join a truly special childcare community in the heart of Lockerbie! Foxgroves Education (division of Foxgroves Recruitment Ltd) are delighted to partner with Mid Annandale Playcare (M.A.P) to support their search for an experienced Assistant Nursery Manager to support their impressive Lockerbie-based provision. We are thrilled to work alongside their dedicated Board of Directors to identify a passionate leader who shares their commitment to outstanding childcare for children. This is your opportunity to make a real difference in a well-established, community-focused nursery that's been serving families in Lockerbie for many years! What makes M.A.P special: • Community-Centered - Non-profit organisation run by a dedicated board of directors from their membership • Comprehensive Care - From babies (3 months) through to primary school-age children (summer and before/after school provision) • Flexible & Accessible - Open 50 weeks a year, 7:30am-6:00pm, serving the whole community • Funded Partnership - Working with D&G Council to provide funded Early Learning and Childcare • Natural Learning Environment - Amazing outdoor space for risky play, tree climbing, and vegetable growing! Their Vision & Values: They embrace a play-based approach in a high-quality learning environment, promoting a nurturing ethos that supports children's wellbeing, learning and development. Their values of equality, achievement, inclusivity, curiosity, teamwork, and caring are at the heart of everything they do. What you'll be doing: As Assistant Nursery Manager, you'll be supporting the Nursery Manager to help make M.A.P the fabulous Nursery it is today: • Leadership Support - Assist the Nursery Manager and deputise when required with day-to-day management, staffing, organisation and smooth running of the setting • Meeting Leadership - Attend Education Partnership Management meetings, Board meetings and disseminate information to all staff members • Quality Assurance - Prepare for and lead Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland inspections alongside the Manager • Child Protection Leadership - Act as Deputy Child Protection Co-ordinator for the setting, ensuring adherence to Dumfries and Galloway Child Protection Policy • Health & Safety Partnership - Work with the Manager to ensure Health and Safety policies are fully implemented, maintaining required standards of cleanliness, hygiene and risk assessments • Educational Excellence - Support staff in development and maintenance of planning, observation and assessment which account for children's individual needs and interests • Keyworker Support - Provide support and expertise to ensure all staff understand keyworker responsibilities and monitor effectiveness • Parent Partnership - Maintain effective parent liaison to work in partnership with parents/carers • Administrative Leadership - Assist with administrative duties including maintaining children's care plans, personnel records, and co-ordinating staff meetings • Team Development - Mentor staff to ensure nursery policies and values are understood, support recruitment, and assist with supervision and appraisal meetings • Financial Support - Assist the Administrator/Manager in managing collection, recording and banking of childcare fees when necessary • Direct Care - Assist in childcare within the facility when appropriate Benefits Package: • Long-term service bonuses - £250 at 5 years, £500 at 10 years, £750 at 15 years, £1,000 at 20 years, then £5,000 every 5 years thereafter • 28 days annual leave - Including 10 days Christmas closure, 5 days summer closure, plus 13 flexible days subject to approval • Highly discounted childcare for staff families • Uniform provided - Professional workwear supplied • Pension contributions - MAP contributes at statutory minimum of 3% • Staff community social events - Regular team building and social activities • CPD program - Ongoing professional development opportunities • Free onsite parking - Convenient and secure parking facilities You'll thrive in this role if you have: A minimum of a NVQ/SVQ Level 4 in relevant Childcare qualification (essential) Desirable to hold SCQF Level 9 in Childhood Practice OR HNC OR a w illingness to work towards Level 9 in accordance with SSSC requirements Proven experience in early years settings with leadership or supervisory responsibilities Understanding of statutory requirements and current legislation in childcare Strong communication and organisational skills Passion for play-based learning and outdoor education Commitment to community values and inclusive childcare Ready to be part of a team that's genuinely changing lives every day? At M.A.P, you'll be joining more than just a nursery - you'll be part of a community institution that's been nurturing children's growth, confidence, and independence for years. If you're passionate about play-based learning, outdoor education, and creating inclusive environments where every child can thrive, we'd love to hear from you. Please Note - Employment is conditional upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment checks and successful registration with the SSSC. Location: Harcourt Place, Lockerbie, DG11 2AH Please Note: All applications for this role are being managed exclusively by Foxgroves Education. Please apply through our designated application channels only. Foxgroves Education (a division of Foxgroves Recruitment Ltd) is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy and is working on behalf of our client. All successful appointments are subject to our comprehensive pre-employment screening process which includes right to work checks, PVG Scheme membership (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) - required for working with children in Scotland, rigorous reference checks, and verification of qualifications. As specialists in education recruitment, we maintain the highest standards of safer recruitment practices in line with statutory safeguarding requirements for working with children and vulnerable adults in Scotland. Reasonable adjustments will be made for individuals with disabilities at all stages of the recruitment process.